Carondelet Legacy Stories
Celebrating 145 Years
Carondelet has a long and rich history that spans decades. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the congregation was originally established in France. The Sisters came to the United States in 1836 to serve the diocese in Carondelet, Missouri.
In 1870, seven Sisters of St. Joseph traveled from San Diego to Tucson to open a school. In 1880, the Sisters opened St. Mary’s Hospital, Arizona’s first hospital. In 1961, they opened St. Joseph’s Hospital to provide services for Tucson’s growing east side. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet began managing Holy Cross in 1981 and assumed ownership in 1987.
Vascular and Trauma Surgeon: Dr. Dale
Meet Dick Dale, MD, a former vascular and trauma surgeon here at Carondelet. Dr. Dale served in many capacities here, including Chief of the Emergency Department, Surgery, and Chief of Staff in 1982 and 1983.
Dr. Dale was the first surgeon in Arizona to perform iliac angioplasty and offered his skills to those in need outside of our community, working with Doctors Without Borders. He also served as a surgeon in Okinawa for two and a half years.
Dr. Dale practiced medicine for more than 50 years and covered eleven hospitals during his career. He is on the Retired Physicians Board today, and you may still see Dr. Dale around the hospitals. He is on the CME committee and collects cans here for recycling. We are grateful for all Dr. Dale has contributed to Carondelet and our community.